Backpack Giveaway & Fashion Show – In Partnership with Sole of the Community and LA County
Future Leaders California partnered with Sole of the Community and Los Angeles County for a Community Backpack Giveaway and Fashion Show. Each student received a backpack with essential school supplies for the upcoming year. The event encouraged community engagement, with attendees connecting with local vendors and organizations. Our Future Leaders California booth was a popular stop, where young change makers spun the prize wheel for items like snacks, school supplies, and first aid kits. Students also learned about our youth leadership programs and how to shape their futures. The day’s highlight was inspiring spoken word and musical performances by students in our JUA I program, showcasing their creativity. This dynamic event celebrated both back-to-school readiness and the power of community, creativity, and leadership.
Back-to-School BBQ
Let’s get excited for the new school year! Join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and friends. The Future Leaders Back to School Barbecue brings together faces from throughout the school year from every corner of the Future Leaders network. Come together to celebrate a new school year with friends from Justice Sunday, Teen Talk, and even FLC Alumni. With good food, music, and a classic water balloon fight, the Back to School BBQ is the perfect way to close out the summer and get hyped for the new semester!
California Association of Youth Courts (CAYC) Summit
The California Association of Youth Courts (CAYC), hosts an annual summit every summer to bring together students from different schools in the state. The event consists of a few days at a university full of exciting guest speakers, workshops, and chances to meet and get to know fellow change makers from all over California. Students also get the chance to stay in the dorms and see different parts of the campus during our visit to introduce them to life in college.
Future Leaders Brunch
The Future Leaders Brunch, held annually during Black History Month, uplifts and creates opportunities for BIPOC youth in the Antelope Valley. In partnership with the City of Lancaster and the Black Student Union, Future Leaders California hosts this event to celebrate cultural legacy, community impact, and connection. The brunch brings together high school students and influential Black and Brown leaders from fields like medicine, education, law, government, engineering, aerospace, and community development for mentorship, networking, and empowerment. Through panel discussions, meaningful conversations, and recognition of youth and community champions, the event fosters unity and celebration. More than just a meal, it serves as a launchpad for future trailblazers, encouraging students to envision possibilities and connect with mentors. The Future Leaders Brunch continues to build bridges that support youth excellence, honor Black history, and invest in a future grounded in equity and opportunity.
Inaugural Family Camping Trip – In Partnership with Solé of the CommUNITY
Future Leaders California, in collaboration with Solé of the CommUNITY, proudly hosted our first-ever family camping trip for single-parent households at the beautiful Kern River Campground on March 15–16, 2025. This two-day experience offered families a meaningful blend of historical education, outdoor adventure, and wellness activities. A key highlight of the weekend was learning about Allensworth, California’s first town to be founded, financed, and governed entirely by African Americans—a powerful lesson in legacy, leadership, and community resilience. Families enjoyed nature-based bonding, wellness services, and enriching conversations, all in a supportive and uplifting environment. This inaugural trip was more than a getaway—it was a celebration of heritage, healing, and togetherness. We look forward to making this an annual tradition that continues to empower and connect families across our region.
Juneteenth
The Justice Sunday Juneteenth Review provides a platform for young individuals to showcase their talents through skit performances adapted from the historical plays produced by the Just Us Arts Initiative during the Juneteenth festival held in both the City of Lancaster and the City of Palmdale. This initiative aims to establish a connection between youth and their heritage, promoting mental well-being by alleviating anxiety. Moreover, the review supports the continuous evolution of the program, allowing new students to participate alongside existing members. The event fosters community engagement through various activities such as children’s story time, face painting, and musical performances. Additionally, families of participating youth benefit from access to community resources.
Justice Sunday Festival and Performance
The Justice Sunday Performance stands as a nationally recognized initiative devoted to commemorating the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This program encompasses a series of workshops designed to enhance skills and playwriting abilities, culminating in a two-hour theatrical production. Engaging students from local middle and high schools, collaborative brainstorming and writing sessions are overseen by Future Leaders California’s Justice Sunday Alumni. Together, they craft a script that undergoes meticulous rehearsal and refinement. Subsequently, the youth showcase their play at local theaters, where they partake in shadowing theater professionals, gaining insights into various facets of live production, including costume and set design, lighting, sound, and theater etiquette.
Justice Sunday Gala
The Justice Sunday Gala celebrates youth excellence, honoring students’ growth, resilience, and achievements in leadership, civic engagement, and personal development. Through programs by Future Leaders California (FLC) and the Antelope Valley Education Alliance (AVEA), and supported by the City of Lancaster and the Lancaster West Rotary Club, students gain essential skills in leadership, writing, public speaking, networking, and research. These programs empower young people to become confident communicators and impactful changemakers. The Gala serves as both a celebration and a launching point, recognizing student accomplishments while inspiring further growth and investment in a future shaped by effective communication and youth-led innovation. We proudly honor these future leaders as they continue to build a brighter tomorrow.
JUAI Faith & Blue Performance at the BSU Districtwide Kwanzaa Event
Karamu Ya Imani, or “Feast of Faith,” is a central celebration during Kwanzaa, held on December 31st, the sixth day of the holiday. This communal gathering honors African heritage and the seven principles of Kwanzaa, known as the Nguzo Saba. The event features music, dance, storytelling, and reflection, with rituals like lighting the kinara and pouring libations from the Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup) to honor ancestors. The feast includes African and African American dishes such as jollof rice, collard greens, and sweet potatoes, symbolizing unity and cultural pride. At the Districtwide BSU’s Karamu Ya Imani event, Future Leaders California’s Just Us Arts Initiative performs their “Faith in Blue” skit, blending art and activism to explore themes of faith, justice, and community healing. Their performance adds a youth-driven perspective to the celebration, emphasizing civic engagement and cultural expression in building a united future.
Just Us Arts Initiative Performance at the Faith & Blue Event
Students from our Just Us Arts Initiative (JUA I) took center stage at the Faith & Blue event with a powerful and heartfelt performance featuring a poetry play, dance, and live vocal performances. Through their artistry, our students aimed to highlight a message of shared humanity—that police officers and deputies are people, too, and that understanding begins with empathy and connection. Starting at Living Faith Cathedral and concluding at Jane Reynolds Park, Faith & Blue brought together law enforcement, community members, and local organizations for a vibrant resource and activity fair. It was an incredible opportunity for Future Leaders California to build bridges, spark dialogue, and engage directly with both youth and local officers in a spirit of unity and collaboration. We’re proud of our JUA I students for using their voices and creativity to inspire change and strengthen community bonds through the arts.
Klassic Man Presentation at AVHS
In partnership with Kappa Alpha Psi, LAPD, and Future Leaders California, Antelope Valley High School hosted the Klassic Man Presentation—a dynamic workshop designed to inspire young men to lead with confidence, integrity, and respect. Participants learned practical life skills such as how to tie a tie, along with discussions on the importance of personal presentation, leadership, and self-discipline. The event encouraged students to embrace their potential as role models and community leaders. Events like Klassic Man are powerful reminders of how mentorship and positive representation can shape the next generation of changemakers.
Lancaster City Council Meeting
Just Us Arts Initiative (JUA I) students are recognized at the Lancaster City Council meeting for their exceptional work on the Justice Sunday plays. These meetings are filled with pride as the youth receive distinguished awards for their creativity, commitment, and impact. We are grateful to our community partners, including the City of Lancaster, County of Los Angeles – Supervisor Kathryn Barger, California State Assembly Members Tom Lackey and Juan Carrillo, and U.S. Representative George Whitesides, for making the night special. A highlight was Bishop Henry Hearns, who delivered inspiring words and proudly wore merchandise from the production. We are incredibly proud of our JUA I students for using their voices and artistry to drive conversation and change. Thanks to the leaders who continue to support and uplift youth innovation in our community.
Lyric Lab Presentation – In Partnership with CASA
Jayla Hightower, one of our amazing Education life Coaches led a poetry course aimed to explore the fundamentals of poetry, including structure, analysis, creative expression, and performance. Through hands-on writing activities, group projects, and an informative discussion, participants learned how to find and share their unique voices.
Teen Talk: A Minor Discussion
Launched in 2021, A Minor Discussion is a cornerstone event of Future Leaders California’s Teen Talk Initiative—a dynamic, youth-led summit designed to build bridges between local youth and law enforcement. Born out of critical conversations sparked by the Justice Sunday play, which highlighted concerns around police brutality, this annual summit offers a proactive and solution-oriented space for dialogue and connection. Each year, A Minor Discussion brings together teens, law enforcement officials, community leaders, and advocates for a day of meaningful engagement. Through panel discussions, interactive workshops, and inspiring guest speakers, participants explore complex issues related to policing, public safety, and community trust. The summit not only provides insight into the daily challenges and responsibilities faced by law enforcement but also empowers youth to voice their perspectives and ideas for positive change. At its core, “A Minor Discussion” is more than just a conversation—it’s a community-building experience that encourages empathy, accountability, and mutual respect. By bridging the communication gap between youth and police, the summit helps to lay the foundation for more informed, respectful, and united communities.
Teen Talk: Youth 4 Justice
Our annual Teen Talk: Youth 4 Justice event returned with powerful conversations and meaningful connections between youth and justice system professionals. This two-day forum created a safe space for students to explore issues related to justice, equity, and civic engagement while amplifying youth voices in conversations that impact their lives and communities. Students had the unique opportunity to engage directly with representatives from a range of local and federal agencies, including: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Department of Corrections, Homeland Security, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and many more. These professionals shared insights about their roles, answered student questions, and offered guidance on making informed, empowered decisions. Youth 4 Justice continues to be a vital experience that promotes awareness, accountability, and a deeper understanding of justice through education and dialogue.
Future Leaders California 